Professor Vale Aman has crafted a good life for himself. An unbonded omega in his mid-thirties, he’s long since given up hope that he’ll meet a compatible alpha, let alone his destined mate. He’s fulfilled by his career, his poetry, his cat, and his friends.

When Jason Sabel, a much younger alpha, imprints on Vale in a shocking and public way, longings are ignited that can’t be ignored. Fighting their strong sexual urges, Jason and Vale must agree to contract with each other before they can consummate their passion.

But for Vale, being with Jason means giving up his independence and placing his future in the hands of an untested alpha–as well as facing the scars of his own tumultuous past. He isn’t sure it’s worth it. But Jason isn’t giving up his destined mate without a fight.

This is a stand alone gay romance novel, 118,000 words, with a strong happy ending, as well as a well-crafted, non-shifter omegaverse, with alphas, betas, omegas, male pregnancy, heat, and knotting. Content warning for pregnancy loss and aftermath.

The one thing that stands out the most is the amazing world Leta Blake has created. It’s a dystopian-like society with very strict rules. What really impressed me was that the author took the time to think of the effects of male pregnancy. In fact, a lot of the storyline is in regards to the biology of humans with a wolf-like mentality. The reader is not left taking things as a fact but given the reasons.

Another interesting fact is that, at it’s core, Slow Heat is a May/December romance. Vale is an omega in his mid-thirties while Jason is a 19 year-old alpha. I love when authors go against the stereotypes. In fact, there are quite a few examples of it in the book. Not only is Vale older but he is also a professor while Jason is just a student. This to me is a prime example of how and where roles come to play in their relationship. Another pair who do not fit the typical mold is Jason’s parents. There is something special about an alpha male that cooks.

The book is appropriately named because the courtship of Vale and Jason is slow. They have to follow the rules of being bonded. I was starting to struggle with reading it because I feared the author had limited the possible outcomes. This was not the case. The omega rights and restrictions reminded me of battles we humans have had and are continuing to fight.

With all the groundwork and research Leta Blake did, I really think this should be a series. For one, I must find out what happens with Xan. He’s one of those characters that you love even when he makes you mad. I would like to see a change in omega rights. There is so much potential here for a beautiful series. Did I mention that I would really love a Happily Ever After for Xan?

***I would like to thank the author for the privilege and opportunity of reading this ARC. My review is an honest opinion of the book***